Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

260 other cultivars

shrub

Kew Gardens Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Kew Gardens'

The Story

Plant Bio

Roses are deciduous woody shrubs belonging to the Rosaceae family, characterized by alternate pinnate leaves and flowers that typically feature five petals in their wild forms. They thrive in fertile, well-drained soils with ample sunlight and require regular maintenance to manage fungal diseases and pests.

'Kew Gardens' is a nearly thornless, upright shrub rose that produces large terminal clusters of small, single, creamy-white flowers with prominent golden stamens. The continuous blooms emerge from soft apricot buds from late spring until frost, set against small, glossy, disease-resistant foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces continuous clusters of single, creamy-white flowers set against glossy green foliage on nearly thornless stems.

Virtually thornless growth makes it exceptionally safe for planting along busy pathways and easy to handle during maintenance.

The open, single flowers provide easy access to pollen for bees and other beneficial insect pollinators.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59"

Width

49"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

United Kingdom (cultivar)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic compost into the backfill.
Plant the rose at the same depth as it was in the container, firming the soil gently around the roots.
Water deeply at the base and apply a thick layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Because the single flowers are self-cleaning and drop their petals cleanly, heavy deadheading is unnecessary, though a light trim after each bloom flush encourages faster repeat flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
Apply a balanced fertilizer and organic mulch in early spring.
Prune established plants in late winter or early spring to shape and maintain size.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or soggy.
Do not over-prune young plants during their first few seasons.
Do not use overhead sprinklers, which can promote fungal diseases on the foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersHedgesCottage GardensCourtyardsLow-Maintenance Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Nepeta Lavandula Geranium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kew Gardens Rose questions

What zones can Kew Gardens Rose grow in?

Kew Gardens Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Kew Gardens Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Kew Gardens Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Kew Gardens Rose bloom?

Kew Gardens Rose typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kew Gardens Rose need full sun?

Kew Gardens Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.